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Why did Jules Rimet have a different trophy?

Explained by SportCells · 27 June 2026 · 3 min read

Why did Jules Rimet have a different trophy?

The FIFA World Cup has had two different trophies: the original Jules Rimet Trophy used from 1930 to 1970 and the current FIFA World Cup Trophy introduced in 1974, with the change occurring after Brazil's third World Cup win made them permanent owners of the Jules Rimet Trophy.

Jules Rimet had a different trophy because the original trophy, named after him, was awarded to the winners of the FIFA World Cup from 1930 to 1970, after which a new design was introduced. The original Jules Rimet Trophy was lifted by England after winning the 1966 World Cup and was later stolen, but Brazil earned permanent possession of it in 1970 after becoming the first three-time World Cup winner.

History of the Trophies

The first World Cup trophy was introduced in 1930, when FIFA launched the inaugural tournament under the leadership of Jules Rimet, the man the trophy was named after. The original trophy was made of gold-plated sterling silver and lapis lazuli. Just months before the start of the 1966 World Cup in England, the trophy was stolen during a public exhibition. The trophy was later recovered, but it was stolen again in 1983 and has never been recovered.

Design and Significance

The current FIFA World Cup Trophy is a golden trophy that is awarded to the winners of the FIFA World Cup association football tournament. The trophy is kept at the FIFA World Football Museum in Zürich, Switzerland, and leaves there only on select occasions. The trophy has been handed to the winners every four years, starting in 1974.

Evolution of the Trophy

The Jules Rimet Trophy was replaced by the current FIFA World Cup Trophy in 1974. The new trophy was designed to be more modern and sleek, and it has been used in every World Cup since 1974. The current holders of the trophy are Argentina, winners of the 2022 World Cup. For more information on the World Cup, visit our football/world-cup/2026 page.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

The original World Cup trophy was called the Jules Rimet Trophy, named after the FIFA president at the time.

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